Putin and Trump Call: Limited Agreement on Ukraine Energy Attacks
President Putin agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but rejected a full ceasefire after a call with President Trump. Conditions set by Putin remain a stumbling block for peace, particularly the halting of foreign military support to Ukraine. The two leaders committed to further talks, although the outcome may indicate a strategic delay in negotiations.
President Vladimir Putin has declined to commit to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, only agreeing to pause attacks on energy infrastructure after a discussion with US President Donald Trump. Putin stated that a complete truce would require the cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence to Ukraine, a demand previously rejected by European allies of Ukraine.
The leaders agreed that peace negotiations would resume in the Middle East, but the outcomes from the call indicate a shift in the Trump administration’s stance compared to a week earlier. At a recent meeting in Jeddah, a US delegation persuaded Ukrainian officials to consider an immediate 30-day ceasefire covering land, air, and sea.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed a willingness to discuss a truce concerning energy infrastructure but requested additional details regarding the proposals. Zelensky stated, “I think it will be right that we will have a conversation with President Trump and we will know in detail what the Russians offered the Americans.”
President Trump labeled the call as “very good and productive” and mentioned an agreement on a ceasefire regarding energy and infrastructure. However, he avoided confirming the previously mentioned full ceasefire proposal. Instead, the White House focused on the energy ceasefire and subsequent negotiations for a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a broader agreement for peace.
Kremlin officials noted significant hurdles to enforcing any agreement and emphasized that the end of support and intelligence for Ukraine is vital for Russia. Both leaders agreed to initiate technical discussions for a long-term resolution. Yet, it remains unclear whether this constitutes US-Russia negotiations or direct talks involving Ukraine.
As the conversation concludes, Ukraine is likely to interpret Putin’s position as a tactic to delay negotiations while imposing demanding conditions. By doing so, Putin hopes to navigate the situation further and potentially reduce US support for Ukraine.
In summary, Putin’s refusal to agree to a full ceasefire, coupled with his conditions regarding foreign military aid, complicates the situation in Ukraine. The White House has shifted its stance post-call, focusing on an energy infrastructure ceasefire rather than the earlier full ceasefire agreement. The continued discussions may illustrate Putin’s strategy to prolong negotiations while setting stringent conditions, raising uncertainties on the path to peace.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
